SC Braga vs Estoril Prediction & Betting Tips - League Cup

Prediction published on 26/01/2024, 05:42  by Steve Ashfield | Modified on 27/01/2024 at 06:45 in Football Predictions

Braga take on Estoril in the final of the Portuguese League Cup. It's Braga who are the favorites to lift the trophy as they are fourth in the Primeira League with Estoril down in 15th. It's been a surprising competiton this season with two unlikely finalists. Braga have won the League Cup twice, most recently in 2020. For Estoril this is their first time in the final of this competition. To get to this final, Braga won their group finishing ahead of Casa Pia and Nacional with four points from their two games. That took them into the semi-finals where they caused a surprise by beating Sporting 1-0. Current form for Braga has seen the Archbishops win their last two games after a couple of losses to Benfica and Porto. Last month saw them get a 3-1 home win over Estoril. This is being played at a neutral ground and Braga have won three of their last five away fixtures.

Estoril are battling relegation from the Primeira League. They are only a point and a place above the relegation zone and lost their last three league fixtures. Only five of their 18 league games this season have been won. Despite their poor league form they have made it to this League Cup final and the chance to qualify for Europe. The Canaries won both of their group games and that included beating Porto 3-1 at home. That game was level at 1-1 going into the 91st minute but Estoril scored twice to cause a surprise. Another shock came in the semi-finals as they beat Benfica on penalties after a 1-1 draw. We go for Braga to get the win and lift the trophy.